Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed targets and goals set for the first quarter (January to March) of 2009. An Authority meeting was held at PTA Headquarters to review the progress on the targets and goals set for the year 2009.
The meeting was chaired by Chairman PTA Dr. Mohammed Yaseen, Member Finance Mr. S. Nasrul Karim Ghaznavi, Member technical Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar and attended by senior officers of the Authority. On this occasion, progress of various division and directorates of PTA including Finance, Commercial Affairs, Technical Services, Enforcement, Law, Strategy & Development, Economic Affairs and Human Resources was reviewed.
The progress was reviewed at length on survey of telecom services including mobile operators, reduction in illegal telecom traffic and blocking of IMEI of mobile handsets. It was decided in the meeting that PTA will continue to implement technical solutions to address these issues. It was also decided that consultancies will be carried out on various technical subjects for the benefit of the telecom industry.
It was informed in the meeting that new Numbering Plan for AJ&K and Northern Areas has successfully been implemented with parallel operations for the convenience of telecom users in these areas. It was also informed that PTA has prepared a Disaster Communication Plan to use telecom services effectively in a natural calamity and disaster-hit areas. During the meeting polices to improve human resources in PTA were also discussed.
Chairman PTA showed satisfaction on the progress made by different divisions and directorates of PTA.\
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Rifat Fatima Astrologist
Cartoons
PTA says it has completed Q1 targets
PTCL establishes free PCOs for IDPs
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) in an effort to connect the displaced families from Swat with their loved ones and missing family members has established PCOs at five different relief camps. These PCO’s will provide free communication services to the IDP’s. Besides the company has also established medical teams and has donated medicines. PTCL doctors and paramedical staff will visit all the major relief camps on a rotation basis.
PTCL President and CEO Walid Irshaid, has stated that the PTCL will do its utmost to provide relief to the IDPs especially PTCL employees affected by this crisis. PTCL stands by the government of Pakistan to ensure that we fulfill our responsibility to help these war affected people, he said.
Around 300 PTCL staff families have been displaced on account of the confrontation going on in Swat. The management has decided to provide financial assistance to each of these families. The company has also arranged accommodation facilities for fourteen of these families and this number is growing on a daily basis as more and more staff families contact for accommodation.
PTCL has always played a proactive role during all difficult times to provide help to the people in the camps. It had generously donated during the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, during the Baluchistan earthquake and for Benazir Income Support Fund created for assisting poor families.
PTCL with its growing concern and empathy is certainly pulling all the strings to make things easier for the IDP’s, and its efforts are being highly acknowledged and applauded by people from all walks of life.
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Panel Discussion on Project Management
The Institute of Business and Management(IB&M), UET Lahore is going to arrange a Panel Discussion on the topic “Emerging Challenges, Problems and Critical Issues in Project Management” on December 22, 2009 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in Seminar Hall near Chemical Engineering Department, UET Lahore. Experts from Industry and Academia will give their views on this emerging topic.
Open Source Series Workshops (Ossw-2009) and 3rd International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technology (Icosst-2009)
Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS) is conceived as an institute for applied research, covering the general area of information technology and computer science. One of the main contributions of KICS is its open source development lab which targets development, usage, modification and customization of open source tools and software. We are gathering best talent in the field at one place, providing an environment of innovation.
KICS is organizing OSSW-2009 in association with ICOSST-2009, be held on 19-22 December, 2009, to bring together academia and software industry researchers and practitioners from across the world to share their ideas and experiences related to the state-of-the-art and the future of open-source software.
KICS tends to attract a diverse audience of Open Source Software (OSS) researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, and public administration who will come together to present research papers and tutorials addressing the cutting edge open-source research and development in the critical areas.
This event consists of two days of OSSW-2009 and one day of ICOSST-2009 activities. Workshop and conference programs are enclosed along with an overview of talks. Please refer to conference website for further information http://www.uet.edu.pk/Conferences/icosst2009/ . Kindly encourage your students, faculty/staff members to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. For registration please conference website. An early registration will guarantee availability of seat.
Department of Computer Science and Engineering won the First Appreciation Prize in DICE COMSAT 2009.
Project Title: MagnoTouch
Project Supervisor: Muhammad Awais Hassan
Team: Asma Farhat (Team Lead), Saba Sarwat, Iram Nawaz, Sobia Amjad.
Project Abstract: Advancement in technology has replaced typewriters with computers. We, the human beings, always gaze at the new dimensions and possibilities that may offer more ease in our daily life. Similar efforts are taking place in multi-touch community to provide the users with interactive interface. Control is now shifting from keyboards to the tips of our fingers. Microsoft surface is the evidence of this comfort, heave and sumptuousness,but it is not easily accessible in local markets and its expected cost is about 10,000 dollars plus expenses involved in importing. Main goal is to design and build a low-priced and economical multi-touch surface that will be easily accessible to every human being and may provide all the multi-touch interaction facilities.
Award:
DICE 2009 held in COMSAT lahroe from 23-24 December there were more then 68 projects short listed by organizers. Magnotouch won First Appreciation Prize. Although the project is in its second phase but idea and work was largly apreciated by all audience and got couple of offers from industry.Some organizations was interested to comercialize the project after its completeion. Officers of Pakistan Navy appreciated the idea and looking forward for some kind of tracking application.
PAK-TURKEY JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSALS
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (the MoST) under the framework of “Executive Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan regarding Technical and Scientific Cooperation” signed in Ankara on 1 June 2005, invite Turkish and Pakistani universities, researchcanters and institutes to submit joint proposals for scientific and technological research projects
CHANCELLOR ON THE OCCASION OF 18TH CONVOCATION OF COMSATS INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- Chairman Board of Governors, Dr. Qureshi
- Members of the Board of Governors, Academic Council
- Rector, COMSATS, Dr. Zaidi
- Graduating students and their proud parents and friends
- Ladies and gentlemen
Indeed it is a great honor and pride privilege for me to witness the graduation ceremony of those who are future of my great
nation Pakistan. Future Professors, Scientists, Engineers and Leaders in all walks of life will be derived out of your Rank.
So this occasion is a unique opportunity for me to congratulate you, your parents, friends and love one.
Once again congratulation to you, your proud parents, friends, love one and great teachers whose guidance and knowledge
sharing have enabled you to be proud today. Graduates – 4 long years have passed since you entered the Gates of this proud
institution. Institution to learn and today you are leaving to serve. God ALMIGHTY be with you to serve this nation of yours
with honor, dignity, courage and honesty in any capacity that you may choose or come in your way. Remember ethics commitment
and right attitude has no attitude, no boundaries it is unlimited and uninhibited.
A philosopher called Carl Jung once said “your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks
outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
From now on most of you will have to make your own decision about yourself, your love one and humanity at large. If you would
look inside and will take one step at a time. I assure you that you will not retrace your step but march on till you reach
the destiny that you deserve. I still remember a student named Richard Austin during my Ph.D studies in USA. I asked him what
is your Aim in life. He said I want to be a Secretary of State means a Foreign Minister. His vision will come true because
their political leadership have provided them the environment of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Where a son of an
emigrant can become Obama, the President of United States of America or Schwazniger, the Governor of California or Balry
Gindal from India Governor of Louisiana and many other notable in all aspect of their national treasure. Whereas we as leader
of this nation have failed our nation. I, therefore, calling upon you to provide that leadership in all walks of life where
opportunity is given to every soul to excel their pursuit of happiness in all walks of life.
Ladies and gentlemen. As a Chancellor of this institute let me acknowledge the dedication shown by Hon’ble Rector and his
well qualified team in achieving goals of our life time endeavor by offering quality and purposeful education to more than
14000 students in six campuses where they have been able to earn more than 7,500 Graduates who are asset to this institution
and to the people of Pakistan.
I am cognizant of this fact that our education sector as a whole is facing financial constraint and unfortunately has never
been our priority. The allocation of 1.22% of G.D.P. compare to 4% or more in many countries will not take us any where.
However, my job is to fight for the proper allocation by emphasizing this mere fact that every Rupee wisely spent in this
sector will bring desirable dividend that this great nation deserve. Let me say that I am your spokesman on those forum and I
will not leave any stone unturned to achieve the objectives for which I have accepted this Ministry.
I will try to acquire additional land for you so that you can have adequate facilities. I would like to have as early as
possible hostels for boys an girls, housing for faculty and staff and lush green sports grounds, all on the campus. I assure
you that I will do my utmost to bring necessary funding. You will have my all out support and support of the Ministry of
Science and Technology.
In the end, I extend my gratitude to the Rector and all his team members for organizing such an impressive ceremony and also
would like to thank all those who are present here and have allowed me an opportunity to share some of my feelings today.
May GOD bless Pakistan and this institution.
4th Meeting of SAARC Technical Committee on Science and Technology
- Honourable Parliamentary Secretary for Science & Technology
- Distinguished Guests & Delegates from SAARC countries
- Ladies & Gentlemen
The SAARC region comprises of almost 1.50 billion people, the largest of any regional organization. More than half of this 1/4th of world population is living below the poverty line and do not have access to basic needs/ facilities such as health, education, clean drinking water, sanitation, energy, etc., inspite of abundance of natural resources and reasonably good S&T infrastructure and scientific manpower. The role of science & technology, academia and industries in SAARC countries cannot be undermined to address these issues.
In this era of rapid growth, the emergence of knowledge based economy is evident. To keep ourselves abreast; there is a great need to transfer Science and Technology Innovation into industrial development which presently does not exist in SAARC countries. We also require full participation of our nations in the process of globalization to realize the productivity gains. Our countries will have to move from traditional to knowledge-based economies that add value to our resources. Rather than sending raw material we need to send value added products. It is now our choice whether to send $______ per kilo corn or $3 – per kilo cereal. It is our choice to export $______ per kilo rice or $ 3.50 per kilo rice Krispy.
Scientists, Engineers and Technologists have to play a vital role in the development of SAARC Region. They should struggle for the commercialization of scientific and technological innovation and products. This could be possible through coordinated effort, sharing of scientific knowledge and resources besides free access to our own markets in the SAARC member countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
It is not a myth or fiction but it is reality that power means economic power is shifting from west to east. Future belongs to you all. As some one put it “we are entering a new era of world history, the end of western domination and the arrival of Asian century” which to me is only possible if we create a mutual trust, understanding and practically prove among ourselves that diversity of our culture, heritage, universal values and languages are not signs of our weaknesses but source of our strength. Therefore, Asia rise should present more opportunities than threats. The region’s growth has already lifted hundred of millions out of poverty and will continue to do so if we avail this opportunity and do not lag behind. Again choice is our and I hope we all will make a best choice for ourselves, our nation, our religion and our coming generations.
Therefore, I am confident that the Technical Committee during the course of the two days would have meaningful and fruitful deliberations and would be able to finalize its activities and recommendations as for implementations during next year.
Speech for the Minister for Science and Technology
Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani,
Ministers, Members of Parliament, Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me and for my team to welcome you, Mr. Prime Minister and all the distinguished guests, to the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the Ministry of Science & Technology Building Complex. Honorable Prime Minister, I am extremely grateful to you for gracing this occasion despite your busy schedule. Your presence indicates your interest in, and commitment to Science and Technology. I am also grateful to all the distinguished guests for sparing their valuable time to be with us at this happy occasion. The new Ministry of Science & Technology building will be located in the midst of our other S&T Institutions in this place facing the Constitution Avenue. The MoST building, when completed, would accommodate the Ministry as well as some of its organizations that are currently housed in rented buildings. Consequently, we will be saving more than Rs.36 million annually on rental payment as well as enormous precious working time will be saved. Also with PCSIR, PSF, PCST, PAS, already in the same compound or in the vicinity, coordination with its organizations as well as with its important international organizations such as COMSTECH and COMSATS, will be greatly facilitated.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2. The importance of Science & Technology cannot be over emphasized. While developed countries are currently spending about 2 to 3 percent of their GDP on Research and Development, the developing countries on the average spend about 0.2 % of their GDP for this purpose. We in Pakistan unfortunately lagging considerably behind comparing other brotherly countries such as Turkey, Malaysia, and others because Science & Technology has never been our priority, therefore Sir, I urge you and it is imperative that we must make this our national priority. Because of this neglect the result is that.
3. According to 2007 World Bank report, the GDP of Japan was about 4.4 Trillion US$ whereas some of the biggest and richest Muslim countries including Indonesia, Kuwait, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, Algeria and Egypt combined had only half of that of Japan. If we compare the human and natural resources of Muslim countries with Japan, there is no comparison. But in term of economic strength, all these countries together can not compare with Japan alone. Of course we know that the difference lies in the quality of manpower, and the ability to use modern technology for generating and sustaining economic activity. So, the recipe for progress is right before our eyes: Investment in education and scientific Research & Development. This is not a new lesson that we have to learn. The students of history are well aware that Muslim scientists dominated the world scene between 9th and 13th century and laid the foundation of knowledge-societies.
Honourable Prime Minister,
4. After taking charge as the Federal Minister for Science and Technology few months ago, I have visited all the organizations of the Ministry and also held detailed discussions with eminent scientists and engineers. I have realized that these organizations are working in relative isolation. That is why the products and processes developed by them are either obsolete, insignificant, or cost prohibitive, and therefore, are not taken up by the industrial sector. I alongwith my team, decided to embark upon a comprehensive programme of restructuring all our R&D organizations. The main purpose of this exercise is to have close collaboration with all stakeholders keeping in view their needs for national interest.
5. Still we have been able to make some remarkable achievement. You will be pleased to learn that Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB) based in Lahore has been successful in formulation of interferon drug for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Clinical tests of the drug are to start soon in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Sir, we have developed moderate scale procedure for the production of interferon at 2 Gram a month which is equivalent to 200,000 3MIU Injections at a cost of 80 Rupees per injection as compared to 450 -1000 per injection. We are waiting for the approval by Ministry of Health.
6. INSHA ALLAH this will cater the entire needs of Prime Minister’s as well as Chief Minister’s programme on the prevention of hepatitis C which will be equal to 50% requirement of interferon in CAMB has also locally developed B.T cotton and B.T rice varieties at different locations in the Country which will enhance our Yield Products from 15% to 30% per Acre. In addition CAMB is the premier laboratory which has the necessary expertise and equipment for DNA testing and is assisting the investigating agencies in different Provinces in fighting serious crime. I would appreciate if during your visit to Lahore you could spare some time to visit this state of the art facility.
7. It is my proud privilege to inform you that NUST is rated among the top 400 universities of the world. CIIT is not lagging behind either. These premier universities, besides imparting purposeful education also provide free / subsidized education to 30% children of the poor and destitute segment of our society. Sir their biggest achievement is also based in this fact that 80% to 90% of Graduating students get jobs before leaving their respective campuses.
8. One of our most recent significant achievement is the preparation of Pakistan’s case for the extension of the limits of its Continental Shelf beyond the 200 nautical mile limit of its Exclusive Economic Zone. The claim, which is based on Bath-y-metric and seismic surveys carried out by the National Institute of Oceanography, one of the organizations of this Ministry, has been submitted to the UN while meeting the legal dead line of May 13, 2009 and Pakistan expects to get sovereign rights on an additional 55,000 sq. km of seabed with all its biological and mineral resources.
9. Sir, Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has completed a network of 92 water reservoirs in the Cholistan desert with a total capacity of 8.35 million cubic metres, which is sufficient to fulfill the requirements of its entire human and animal population for a year even during a full drought. This simple application of rainwater harvesting techniques has also paved the way for developing vegetation around these reservoirs. More recently, PCRWR has provided safe drinking water to the IDPs living in 22 camps in Mardan, Malakand, Charsadda and Swabi. I may also mention here that the organizations of the Ministry are thus engaged in contributing towards human development. Besides its drought mitigation efforts in Cholistan, PCRWR has also developed simple filtration plants that can be used, for example, to remove Arsenic from drinking water, which is a serious problem in southern Punjab and upper Sind. Use of such simple technologies can meet a large part of the national programme of providing safe drinking water to the people of Pakistan. This will not only substantially reduce the cost of the national health programme, but also generate economic activity and health prevention for poor masses of our country.
10. Under the Industrial Linkage Programme of the PCSIR, 20 laboratories have been accredited under ISO 17025 to provide internationally acceptable testing, analytical and certification facilities that are very important for exporters to meet the requirements of the WTO regime.
11. Sir, it also gives me great pleasure to inform you that recently Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) has become a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement of the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), two relevant regional and international apex bodies. With this status, accreditation of laboratories by PNAC will have the same validity as the accreditation by National Accreditation bodies of the industrialized countries and their test reports and certificates will be widely accepted all over the world. This would enable our exporters, importers, regulators and industry to save time, money and foreign exchange in meeting the requirements for overcoming the technical barriers to trade.
12. PCSIR is a premier R & D Organization in the country which is working in different disciplines. It has attained significant success in many fields and is assisting the local industries in the development of products and processes and analytical testing of their products. 12 of its laboratories have achieved international accreditation and their results are accepted world-wide. The PCSIR’s Scientists and Technicians have worked in different development phases of SAINDAK Project in Balochistan and the basic analytical testing for mineral development was carried out at PCSIR Labs. They have also developed laboratory scale coal gasification facilities using Lakhra Coal, and are now working to do the same for Thar Coal which is one of the largest Coal reserves in the World. Sir, allow me to emphasize the importance of this project. GOD ALMIGHTY has given you a historical opportunity to get the country out of the energy crises. God willing we can overcome the energy crisis by starting this project on a war footing. The PCSIR has also been assisting the Defence Sector in provision of a number of strategic chemicals. PCSIR Labs. have also developed Orthopedic implants of high quality at a low price, which are undergoing clinical Trails in some hospitals in Lahore with a good feedback. These are some of the humble achievements of the Scientists and Technicians of PCSIR. It would be our privilege if you could spare some time and visit these labs. either at Lahore or Karachi, and see for yourself the work that is being done. Your visit would be a source of great encouragement for all of us.
13. Similarly, Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies has to date established more than 400 microhydel plants in the northern areas, providing electricity to 56,000 homes in remote locations. It has also installed over 3,500 biogas plants in rural areas providing 14,600 cubic metres of gas per day for cooking and illumination purposes. It is now also focusing on wind and solar energy – 155 wind energy demonstration units have been installed to provide electricity to 1500 houses and 240 solar PV units are providing electricity to 240 houses. Sir, Pakistan has a huge potential of hydropower. If given sufficient resources PCRET can harness this potential subject to availability of funds. Another 100-150 MHP sites can be made operational with an input of approx.Rs.200-300 million in 03 years.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. The Ministry of Science & Technology is also working on the review and revision of the National S&T Policy. As Pakistan is committed to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, this Policy would focus on (i) development of indigenous technological capability and (ii) its use in the social and economic uplift of the people of Pakistan. The first draft is currently under review in the Ministry, after which there will be a round of consultations with other Ministries, Provincial Governments and relevant government agencies to formulate an integrated National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. Sir, hopefully, we should be able to present this draft to your good-self by the end of this year.
15. Mr. Prime Minister now I would like to draw your attention to the resource constraint being faced by this Ministry which is hindering its working progress. The PSDP allocation for the 2008-09 which was Rs.3.01 Billion was revised to Rs.1.51 Billion and unfortunately the actual release by 30th June 2009 was only Rs.770 million i.e. 35% of the actual amount. Rs. Now, 3.265 Billion have been allocated for the development schemes for the current financial year 2009-10. We are aware of the financial constraint faced by the government, but we request that the amount allocated to this Ministry should be released because without resources for research, scientists would remain idle. The allocated amount also includes Rs.130 Million for the 04 development projects which were taken up under your directive in one of our meetings to improve the I.T. infrastructure of 04 universities namely, Baha-ud-Din Zakria University Multan, Gomal University D.I. Khan, The Hazara University, Mansehra and Bannu University.
16. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite your kind attention to a very serious problem being faced by the Ministry and its organizations, namely, the shortage of highly qualified technical manpower. Due to better pay packages available in the universities and the strategic research organizations, it is not possible to attract and retain technically qualified people on the Basic Pay Scale. They either do not join, or if they do join, they leave within 6 months for better pay in universities or research organizations such as PAEC, NESCOM, KRL, PARC etc. or go abroad. I have already discussed this matter with Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Adviser Finance and his team, and I appreciate their sympathetic response. The Adviser was kind to agree in principle to enhancing the salaries of scientists, technicians, researchers etc. on the pattern of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Kahuta Research Laboratory (KRL) etc. Our proposal also visualizes the setting up of a Market Equalization Fund (MEF) based on self generated earnings of the R&D Organizations. This would provide an incentive to the scientists and technicians to work hard and also reverse the brain drain of our nation. However, we need your blessing and support on this issue so that our research organizations can work on full capacity to contribute towards the national development and prosperity.
17. In the end Mr. Prime Minister let me assure you that under your guidance, generous support and optimum utilization of our limited resources, we can achieve considerable successes and goals set by your Government.
Thank you again.
Pakistan Paindabad!
CALL FOR PAK-US JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSALS
The National Academy ofScience USA,
As part of the current call for proposals, we are pleased to offer a specialopportunity for proposals in the biological sciences, with emphasis on humanand animal infectious disease, as well as best practices in laboratorymanagement. Another special opportunity exists for proposal in the chemicalsciences that focus on best practices in chemical management, pesticidemanagement, and chemical safety education. Proposal inn these special focusareas should be prepared and submitted using the same application form andaccording to the same guidelines .The proposals are to be emailed on thefollowing three addresses simultaneously pakusrd@hec.gov.pk ,dea2@most.gov.pkand pkcontract@nas.edu for further details of preparation and submissionof proposals. http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/dsc/pakistan/
International Seminar on Technology Foresight
An International Seminar on Technology Foresight Project was arranged by Pakistan Technology Board on 17 October, 2009. The purpose of the seminar was to raise awareness of the panel members and other participants about the Technology Foresight in general and the TF project in particular.
The seminar was attended by large gathering of policy makers, scientists, researchers and members of civil society. International experts from Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Malaysia were also present at the occasion.
Iranian TF experts shared their experience of conducting Technology Foresight in Iran. Indonesian expert gave an account of activities in the field of Nanotechnology. Their Pakistani counterparts informed the audience about the methods / tools being used in TF and the activities that Pakistan Technology Board has under taken in this project.
The audience showed keen interest in the subject and shared their views. The panel members assured their participation in the forthcoming panel meetings.
